Window arrangement

ABSTRACT

An improved window arrangement employs one or more window sashes for sliding vertically within an associated, dedicated track of a window frame. The glass in each window sash is rotatably secured to the sash peripheral mechanical members. The glass and its attendant supporting assembly may be rotated into the enclosure containing the window to provide ready, convenient and safe access to the glass for maintenance or other purposes. The composite window includes hinge, latch and like appurtenances for preferred operation.

United States Patent [191 Campisano WINDOW ARRANGEMENT [76] Inventor: Fred M. Campis ano, 136 Jefferson Ct., Yorktown Heights, NY. 10598 22 Filed: Mar. 30, 1972 21 App1.No.: 239,648

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 882,231, Dec. 4,

1969, abandoned.

[ References Cited [4 1 Feb. 5, 1974 Quintanilla 49/162 Polson 49/394 X Primary Examiner-Kenneth Downey Attorney, Agent, or FirmStephe n B. Judlow [571' ABSTRACT nance or other purposes. The composite window in- UNITED STATES PATENTS eludes hinge, latch and like appurtenances for pre I ferred operation. 7 3,254,452 6/1966 Constantin: 49/386 I 3,093,224 6/1963 Wi1son.....' 49/162 5 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures v rs 2 1 1 l l l l I l I l I f I I l l ,1 I 21 [Z r l I 2741 I f 10 4 1 /fi 4 24 I l I l Patented Feb. 5, 1974 4 Sheets-Sheet F'lG.7

FIG. 6

FIG. 9

Patented Feb. 5, 1974 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 WINDOW ARRANGEMENT The application is a continuation-in-part of my copending case Ser. No. 882,231 filed Dec. 4, 1969, now abandoned.

This invention relates to improved window structures and, more specifically, to a sash-type window which slides within a conventional frame and track construction, and which is selectively rotatable for cleaning, repair or the like.

Prior art residential and industrial window arrangements are typically of two basic forms. In a sash window, often of the double hung .variety, two (or more) glass-containing window sashes slide vertically within associated, dedicated tracks. Because the outer side of such sash windows is not readily accessible from within the enclosed room containing the window, window cleaning and repair become difficult, tedious and, moreover, dangerous as individuals must lean outside buildings or across outside ladders to perform these maintenance functions.

The second, or casement basic window form comprises a glass member hinged for rotation in a fixed arc. When the glass is adapted to rotate outward, casement windows suffer the same infirmities as sash windows relating to the inaccessibility of the outer glass side. Moreover, for either direction of rotation, casement type windows typically do not provide free access to the entire window width as desirable, for example, for mounting air conditioners. Further, casement windows produce significant unesthetic projections from the window plane when opened.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved window arrangement.

More specifically, an object of the present invention is the provision of an improved window organization which slides within a frame thus not providing unsightly projections when opened, and which is selectively rotatable into a room to afford ready access for cleaning, repair, or the like.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an improved window arrangement which is selectively rotatable, and which returns to a quiescently closed position when released.

The above and other objects are realized in a specific, illustrative window arrangement formed by one or more window sashes each adapted to vertically slide in an associated, dedicated track in a mounting frame. A glass pane is secured to the sash. The window sash may vertically translate within its associated track in a conventional manner.

To clean or repair the window, the glass and its supporting assembly is rotated about the axis of the mounting rod into the room enclosure for ready access. A torsion spring and/or an offset center of gravity for the window pane is provided to automatically return the glass to a closed position when released, and rotatable keys are employed to secure the glass to a closed state.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are realized in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, discussed hereinbelow in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first window arrangement embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the window track and glass mounting apparatus taken along the axis 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 comprises a cross sectional view of a second window embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view depicting hinge apparatus used for the window of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates latch apparatus employed in the window arrangement of FIG. 3;

F IG. 6 illustrates an attitude for the FIG. 3 window, wherein the window pane for the upper sash is opened;

FIG. 7 depicts an attitude for the FIG. 3 window wherein both the upper and lower panes are coincidentally opened;

FIG. 8 illustrates safety holder apparatus for maintaining the FIG. 3 window in an open orientation;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a third illustrative window embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates lock apparatus for the FIG. 9 window.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first window arrangement having two glass containing window sashes respectively adapted to slide within tracks 11, and 11 of a frame 11. The two sashes being substantially identical, only the lower sash, sliding within the track 11 is shown in detail in the drawing. The lower window sash includes top and bottom transverse members 22 and 29, and right and left lateral side members 10 and 20, respectively. The members 10, 20, 22 and 29 may be fabricated of any desired construction material, e.g.,' wood, metal, plastic or the like.

The right sash member 10 includes a truncated cylindrical aperture 12, and a rod-like cylindrical element 18 is disposed within the aperture 12. The diameter of the rod 18 is made larger than the removed, truncated portion of the opening 12 such that the rod 18 cannot be laterally removed from the sash' member 10.

Two projections 13, and 13 are included on the rod 18 (or, alternatively, a slot is included within the rod 18) and a glass window pane 14 is secured between the projections 13 (or'within the slot within the rod 18) which may also include a bottom glass support member affixed thereto.

A rod 16 (or simply top and bottom pins) is disposed at the center of the rod 18, and projects into holes (or a lined sleeve bushing or beating construction) in the top and bottom sash members 22 and 29. Also, a glass termination strip 24 may be employed at the free, or left side of the glass pane 14.

The assembled and integral rods 16 and 18, the glass 14 and the left termination 24 may selectively rotate about the axis of the journal mounted rod 16, with packing 17 being disposed between the outer periphery of rod 18 and the inside of aperture 12 for insulation purposes, and also to provide viscous damping to obviate unduly rapid rotation (with the concomitant even more rapid deceleration) of the glass 14. Similarly, insulating (and impact absorbing) packing 25 is employed between the members 20 and 24.

Locking elements 26, including a head portion 27 and an integral extended key portion 28, are included on the left frame member 20. When the locking elements 26 reside in the orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the key projections 28 thereof inhibit rotation of the window glass 14. By rotating the key portion 28 ninety degrees upward (as with torque applied by a screw driver or coin inserted in a slot in the head portion 27), the glass 14 becomes free to rotate by simply grasping theelement 24 and applying an inward torque.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the glass 14 may be made self-returning, i.e., adapted to return to the closed position shown in the drawing when released. To this end, one or more torsion springs can be disposed about the axis of the pins 16 and/or 18. The torsion spring, of any well known construction, is compressed when the glass is rotated, and expands to reset the glass when theglass assembly is released. Further, in addition to, or in place of the torsion spring, the window sash and the associated track 11 may be canted (upperedge into the plane of FIG. 1) such that the center of gravity of the glass assembly lies behind the lower glass edge. The weight moment of the glass will then serve to return the plane 14 to a closed position when a rotated glass assembly is released.

By way of functional operation of the window organization of FIGS. 1 and 2, the glass panes 14 normally reside in the closed position shown in the drawing, and are locked in this position by the extended key portions 28. The two sashes may slide through their respective tracks 11 and 11 to a maximum open position (the two sashes aligned) or to a closed state (completely offset sashes) as is conventional for sash windows.

Where a window is to be repaired, cleaned or the like, it is brought to a convenient, unobstructed height.

The head portions 27 of lock elements 26 are then rotated to rotate the key portions'28 thereof at least ninety degrees such that the glass termination 24 is freed. The free (left) side of the glass 14 (e.g., the member 24,) is pulled to rotate the integral glass assembly into-the room or building enclosure, the rod 16 serving as an axis.

After the desired work has been performed, thepane 14 may simply be released, and the torsion spring, weight offset, or the like automatically returns the glass 14 to its quiescently closed position. The locking element 26 is then rotated to resecure the glass, and the composite sash may again vertically translate to any desired position. I

The window of FIGSf 1 and 2 has thus been shown by the above to possess all attributes of sash window configurations and, moreover, to be selectively rotatable to provide ready access for safe maintenance purposes.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, there is shown a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention, like reference numerals being used to identify corresponding structural elements for the several window embodiments. In FIG. 3 the glass window pane 14 in one of the sashes, e.g., the lower sash, terminates at inner frame members 24 and 3S (horizontally disposed subfrarne members advantageously being employed as well). The composite pane 24l435 is secured by hinge apparatus 40 to the outside frame of the sash. The inner frame-pane structure therefore effectively pivots about apoint 40a at or near the from right corner of the pivoting pane assembly. A corresponding hinge 40 is included at the bottom of the pane assembly.

The hinge structure 40 is shown in particular detail in FIG. 4, and includes lower and upper members 36 and 44 having body portions which are countersunk in corresponding-main-inner frame sash members. The

hinge body portions 44 and 36 have appended plate portions 39 and 43 which are connected by fasteners to the appropriate sash members. A hollow tubular collar 42 in the member 44 is rotationally disposed about a pin 37 in the mating hinge member 36, and a torsion spring 38 mounted about the collar 42 to bias the pane in a closed position.

Window locking structure is included in the left sash member and includes a vertical hollow aperture 48 having slot keyways 49 and 50 at its top. Lock mechanism 51 located in the aperture 48 is shown in FIG. 5 and includes a trunk portion 55, an expanded head portion 52 with a projecting key 53, a further key 56, and a locking member 60 having a projecting part 62.

With the locking structure 51 in place with the key 53 in the slot 49, the locking projection 62 is disposed remote from thepane, terminating side member 24 'such that the pane may be opened by an inward torque against the retarding action of the spring 38. Conversely with the key 53 in the slot 50 as shown in the drawing, the projecting portion 62 projects into a recess in the inner frame member 24 and abuts a stroke plate 40 on the surface of the pane member 24. When so positioned, the arm 62 prevents the window from being opened. Like structure may be employed for the upper sash. Thus, FIG. 6 depicts a window arrangement with the upper and lower sashes reversed within the separate dedicated tracks of an outer window frame 11 (FIG. 3 the figure also schematically depicting the normally upper window pane-inner frame rotated to an open position.

Correspondingly, FIG. 7 depicts an arrangement with both upper and lower sashes aligned, wherein both the upper and lower window panes are in an open position, as for cleaning, It is one of the important features of the present invention that the upper pane may be opened through the lower pane for servicing and is thus made sufficiently small so that this may be effected. Further, with respect to FIG. 7, it will be appreciated that the lower sash must be held open against the torque of the spring 38 to prevent the lower pane from striking the upper pane. To this end, and with respect to FIG. 8, the bottom of the lower sash includes a pivoting arm which fits within, and is retained by a slot 72 in the bottom of the upper sash. The safety mechanism 70-72 is thus operative only when the upper sash is completely behind the lower sash eliminating a potentially dangerous condition. 4

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a third window embodiment depicting the principles of the present invention. The window of FIG. 9 comprises two vertically oriented rods for each of the upper and lower sashes, e.g., rods and 84 for the lower sash. Each sash comprises a peripheral pane frame (only a single frame, vis-a-vis the double frames for the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3). The rods associated with the upper and lower sashes are directly secured within a housing, housing side wall members 74 and 76 being shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9. Each sash is mounted for selective vertical sliding translation along the rods assocaited therewith, as by circular collars disposed around a rod and secured to the sash side wall members. Thus, see the retaining members 80 and 86 for the lower sash, it being understood that these members 80 and 86 are either continuous elongated elements, or plural spaced collar elements. Assuming opening about a pivot point to the right in FIG. 9, each sash simply pivots about the right rod, e.g., the rod 84 for the lower sash, the right frame including suitably shaped recesses-see the recess 87, to permit rotation of the right side wall member 85.

To lock either of the sashes of the FIG. 9 (FIG. 10) window construction to a closed state, a further rod 90 is disposed within the left sash frame88 to provide a lock mechanism for the lower sash, comparable apparatus being employed for the upper sash. The rod 90 is secured to the frame as by a bottom plate 92 and a top mechanism 94. Fixedly secured to the rod 90 are one or more helical members 96, the rod 90 being selectively rotated by an actuator member 98 at its upper end which is adapted to reside in one of two slots 99 or 100. With the member 98 in the slot 99, the helical members 96 do not engage the tubular track-rod 80 and the lower sash may simply be rotated inwardly ino the room. correspondingly when the rod 90 is rotated clockwise about its axis by positioning the element 98 in the slot 100, the helical members 96 engage and surround the rod 80 such that the window may not be rotated open.

Thus, each of the above arrangements has been shown by the above to provide an improved window structure.

it is to be understood that the above-described window arrangement is merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example various further appurtenances may be employed for the window structures set forth above. Thus, a safety bar may be employed in the FIG. 9 window assembly to prevent undue translation of the various window sashes. Then, also, the window embodiments herein may employ latch structure as between the top of the lower sash and the bottom of the upper sash to secure the two window sashes together obviating relative vertical movement therebetween.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination in an improved window arrangement, a frame including at least one sash track therein, a window sash mounted in each of said tracks, each of said sashes including upper, lower and lateral peripheral main frame members, each sash being mounted to selectively translate within an associated one of said tracks, a glass pane included in each of said sashes, the improvement comprising glass pane supporting inner frame means affixed to said glass included in each of said sashes, hinge means for pivoting said glass bearing inner frame means for rotation with respect to said sash members, said hinge means including pivot point means operatively disposed substantially at one surface of said window, and locking means for selectively inhibiting rotation of said inner frame relative to said sash about said pivot point wherein said rotation inhibiting locking means comprises an axial aperture in said window sash main frame, two keyways contiguous to said aperture in said sash, key means having a single key in a head portion thereof located within one of said keyways in said sash, said key means including a shaft located within said sash aperture and a projecting portion radially extending from said shaft, said projecting portion being adapted to selectively inhibit rotation of said window responsive to the positioning of said key in said keyways, wherein said hinge means includes upper and lower body means secured for relative rotation therebetween, said hinge body means being respectively recessed within contiguous horizontal surfaces in said main and inner frame means, each of said hinge body means having an expanded flat member affixed thereto.

2. A combination as in claim 1 further comprising torsion spring means for biasing said upper and lower hinge body means.

3. A combination as in claim 2 wherein said window comprises upper and lower sashes, and where said inner frame of said upper sash in adapted to fit within said lower sash main frame members.

4. In combination in an improved window structure, a frame, plural tubular tracks vertically mounted within said frame, a sash adapted for sliding translation along said tubular means, said sash including projecting members for surroundably engaging said tubular means for effecting said sliding operation, said sash including at least vertical frame members for securing a glass pane therebetween, wherein said sash further includes locking means, said locking means comprising rod means rotatably secured within one of said sash vertical frame members, and helical locking means affixed to said rod means for selectively engaging in associated tubular track means.

5. A combination as in claim 3 further comprising safety holder apparatus for maintaining the glass pane in at least one of said sashes in an open position. 

1. In combination in an improved window arrangement, a frame including at least one sash track therein, a window sash mounted in each of said tracks, each of said sashes including upper, lower and lateral peripheral main frame members, each sash being mounted to selectively translate within an associated one of said tracks, a glass pane included in each of said sashes, the improvement comprising glass pane supporting inner frame means affixed to said glass included in each of said sashes, hinge means for pivoting said glass bearing inner frame means for rotation with respect to said sash members, said hinge means including pivot point means operatively disposed substantially at one surface of said window, and locking means for selectively inhibiting rotation of said inner frame relative to said sash about said pivot point, wherein said rotation inhibiting locking means comprises an axial aperture in said window sash main frame, two keyways contiguous to said aperture in said sash, key means having a single key in a head portion thereof located within one of said keyways in said sash, said key means including a shaft located within said sash aperture and a projecting portion radially extending from said shaft, said projecting portion being adapted to selectively inhibit rotation of said window responsive to the positioning of said key in said keyways, wherein said hinge means includes upper and lower body means secured for relative rotation therebetween, said hinge body means being respectively recessed within contiguous horizontal surfaces in said main and inner frame means, each of said hinge body means having an expanded flat member affixed thereto.
 2. A combination as in claim 1 further comprising torsion spring means for biasing said upper and lower hinge body means.
 3. A combination as in claim 2 wherein said window comprises upper and lower sashes, and where said inner frame of said upper sash in adapted to fit within said lower sash main frame members.
 4. In combination in an improved window structure, a frame, plural tubular tracks vertically mounted within said frame, a sash adapted for sliding translation along said tubular means, said sash including projecting members for surroundably engaging said tubular means for effecting said sliding operation, said sash including at least vertical frame members for securing a glass pane therebetween, wherein said sash further includes locking means, said locking means comprising rod means rotatably secured within one of said sash vertical frame members, and helical locking means affixed to said rod means for selectively engaging in associated tubular track means.
 5. A combination as in claim 3 further comprising safety holder apparatus for maintaining the glass pane in at least one of said sashes in an open position. 